Mudslinging in the race for state treasurer

In terms of statewide elections on the ballot this year, the Aug. 28 Republican primary for Arizona treasurer is far from the most competitive, but it is the source of a fair amount of mud slinging.

State Sen. Kimberly Yee, the current majority leader in the Arizona Senate, is seeking the nomination for treasurer against Jo Ann Sabbagh, a political outsider who owns a small accounting business in Tucson.

On paper, the race appears to be stacked heavily in Yee’s favor.

Since joining the Legislature in 2010, Yee has risen to prominence in the GOP. She has far out raised her opponent and has the backing of five former state treasurers and 40 state lawmakers.

Sabbagh has little name recognition, has never held elected office and is attacking Yee’s resume.